When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Best Mini PC for TV (4K, Budget, Top Picks & Buying Guide)

Our top picks for the recommended Mini PC for TV.

A mini PC is a small, compact, and powerful computer that can do many things, such as streaming videos, playing games, and surfing the internet. You can also use it as a home theater PC, which means that you can hook it up to your TV and watch movies, TV shows, and live streams.

Yes, you can use a mini PC with a TV as long as they have compatible ports. Most mini PCs have HDMI or USB-C ports that can connect to your TV’s input. Some mini PCs also have VGA or DVI ports that can work with older TVs or monitors. You will need a cable or an adapter to connect your mini PC to your TV, depending on the type of ports they have. 

Once you connect your mini PC to your TV, you can use your TV as a monitor and control your mini PC with a keyboard, mouse, remote, or voice assistant. You can also adjust the display settings on your mini PC to match the resolution and aspect ratio of your TV.

After you have hooked up your mini PC to your TV, you can start using it as a home theater PC. You can download streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video on your mini PC and watch movies and TV shows. You can also play games on your mini PC, and you can even use it to browse the internet.

These are the Best Mini PC for TV

  1. Apple Mac Mini M2
  2. Beelink U59 Mini PC
  3. MINISFORUM UM700 Mini PC
  4. ASUS Chromebox 4

1. Apple Mac Mini M2

Yes, the Apple Mac Mini M2 is the overall best mini pc for tv. Featuring the powerful M2 chip, which offers up to 1.9 times better CPU performance and 2.6 times better GPU performance than the previous M1 model.

It also has up to 32GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage, which can be upgraded to an M2 Pro for more power and capacity. The Mac mini has a sleek and compact design that measures 7.7 x 7.7 x 1.4 inches and weighs 2.6 pounds.
Two Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, a Gigabit Ethernet port (configurable to 10Gb Ethernet), a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a power connector are included.

With some serious connectivity options, i.e. Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3, the Mac mini can be used as a media center or a gaming machine. This Mac Mini supports two displays at up to 6K resolution at 60Hz.

Additionally, the Mac Mini 2 also supports Dolby Atmos and spatial audio for immersive sound quality. The Mac mini runs on Mac OS Monterey, which offers many features and apps for entertainment, productivity, and creativity. 

Some of the features include AirPlay, which lets you stream content from your iPhone or iPad to your TV; Sidecar, which lets you use your iPad as a second display or a drawing tablet; Universal Control, which lets you use one keyboard and mouse across multiple devices; Focus, which lets you customize your notifications and apps based on your activity; and Shortcuts, which lets you automate tasks with simple commands. 

The Beelink U59 is the best mini pc for 4k tv,  its a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly mini PC, especially if you’re someone who enjoys using a Windows-based device with your TV.

Moreover, it has Intel Celeron Processor N5095, which is an impressive CPU, along with Intel UHD Graphics 605. These specs allow it to handle everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming videos, working on documents, and even some light gaming.

It offers 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a roomy 512GB SATA SSD on the M.2 2280 slot. You can easily expand the storage of Beelink U59, you can add another SSD or an HDD using the available SATA port. 

One nifty feature is its VESA mount, which allows you to easily attach the mini PC to the back of your TV or monitor. It offers a variety of ports, including two USB-C ports (one of which is used for power), four USB-A ports (two USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0), two HDMI ports (one supporting HDMI 2.0 and the other HDMI 1.4), a microSD card slot, a audio jack port, and an RJ45 Ethernet port for wired network connections.

For wireless connectivity, the Beelink U59 supports dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2. You can connect the Beelink U59 Mini PC to your TV using HDMI port, and use it as a media player or even a smart TV box. It can even handle up to two displays with impressive 4K resolution at a smooth 60Hz refresh rate.

With support for 4K streaming and HDR; the Microsoft Store, where you can download apps, games, movies, and TV shows; and Windows Security, an integrated antivirus and firewall system that safeguards your device against malware and hackers.

3. MINISFORUM UM700 Mini PC

Upgrade your gaming and entertainment experience with the MINISFORUM UM700 Mini PC. Engineered for high-performance and versatility, this mini PC is a game-changer for both gamers and TV enthusiasts.

Powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 3750H processor with Radeon RX Vega 10 graphics, the MINISFORUM UM700 can effortlessly handle demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering. With its impressive 16GB DDR4 RAM and expandable 512GB SSD storage (with additional M.2 or SATA ports), you’ll never run out of space for your files.

Despite its compact design measuring just 5.1 x 5.1 x 2.1 inches and weighing only 1.3 pounds, the MINISFORUM UM700 doesn’t compromise on cooling performance. Its dual-fan cooling system ensures stable operation and minimal noise.

Connectivity is a breeze with multiple ports available, including Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1, HDMI, DisplayPort, audio jack, microSD card slot, and more. Enjoy seamless wireless connectivity with dual-band Wi-Fi (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.1.

Experience stunning visuals and immersive gameplay right from your living room. Don’t settle for less when it comes to gaming and entertainment. Elevate your experience with the MINISFORUM UM700 Mini PC – your gateway to high-performance computing in a compact package.

4. ASUS Chromebox 4

The ASUS Chromebox 4 has an Intel Celeron 5205U processor and 4GB of RAM, which means it can run multiple apps and tabs smoothly and quickly. It also has 32GB of eMMC storage, which gives you enough space for your important files and favorite apps. And if you need more storage, you can always use cloud services or external drives.

Connecting has never been smoother with the dual HDMI and USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 ports, supporting up to three stunning 4K displays. Whether you’re diving into multiple projects or simply enjoying your favorite movies and videos, the visuals will leave you spellbound.

The ASUS Chromebox 4 is also packed with USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports for lightning-quick data transfers and flexible connectivity. And guess what? The USB-C port goes the extra mile, supporting power delivery and DisplayPort connections, transforming it into an all-in-one hub of possibilities.

The ASUS Chromebox 4 is a great device for anyone who wants a simple and secure operating system that updates automatically and protects your data. It runs on Chrome OS, which gives you access to Google apps and services, such as Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Photos, and Google Meet.

You can also use Google Assistant to control your device with voice commands, Chromecast to cast content from your phone or tablet to your TV, and Google Play Store to download apps, games, movies, and TV shows.

Factor to consider when buying a best mini pc for tv

When looking for the best mini PC for your TV, you should consider some important factors that affect the performance, functionality, and compatibility of the device. Here are some of the things you should look for when buying the best mini PC for TV:

Operating system:

The operating system determines the user interface, the apps, and the features of the mini PC. You can choose between Windows, Mac OS, Chrome OS, Linux, or Android, depending on your preference and needs. Windows and Mac OS are the most popular and versatile operating systems, but they also require more resources and cost more. Chrome OS and Linux are more lightweight and affordable, but they have fewer apps and games. Android is a good option for streaming and media consumption, but it may not support some desktop applications.

Processor:

You should look for a processor that can handle multitasking, streaming, gaming, and other media tasks without lagging or overheating. Some of the best processors for mini PCs are Intel Core i3/i5/i7/i9, AMD Ryzen 3/5/7/9, or Apple M2/M2 Pro. These processors offer high performance, low power consumption, and integrated graphics. However, they also come with a higher price tag. If you are on a budget, you can opt for a processor like Intel Celeron, Pentium, Atom, or AMD Athlon, which are cheaper but less powerful.

RAM:

The RAM is the memory of the mini PC and affects its responsiveness and multitasking ability. You should look for a mini PC that has enough RAM to run multiple apps and tabs smoothly without slowing down or crashing. The minimum amount of RAM you should look for is 4GB, but 8GB or 16GB is recommended for better performance. Some mini PCs allow you to upgrade the RAM later if you need more memory.

Storage:

The storage is the space where you can store your files, apps, games, and media on the mini PC. You should look for a mini PC that has enough storage to accommodate your needs without running out of space or affecting the speed of the device. The minimum amount of storage you should look for is 64GB, but 128GB or 256GB is recommended for more flexibility. Some mini PCs allow you to expand the storage with an external drive or a microSD card if you need more space.

Connectivity:

The connectivity refers to the ports and wireless options of the mini PC that allow you to connect it to your TV and other devices. You should look for a mini PC that has HDMI ports, USB ports, and Wi-Fi connectivity. HDMI ports are essential for connecting the mini PC to your TV and transmitting high-quality video and audio signals. USB ports are useful for connecting peripherals like gaming keyboards, mice, speakers, webcams, etc. Wi-Fi connectivity is important for accessing the internet and streaming online content. Some mini PCs also support Bluetooth, Ethernet, Thunderbolt 3/USB-C, audio jack, microSD card slot, etc., which can enhance the functionality and compatibility of the device.

Also See:

Author

Leave a Comment